XXL images at home! The end of 2024 is undoubtedly marked by the massive arrival on the market of auxiliary projectors which can be installed in the blink of an eye. Many brands occupy the field. There are the historical ones, like Epson and BenQ. Those who have recently made a name for themselves, like Xgimi. And the newcomers, like Dangbei or even Nebula and Yaber. Even camera manufacturer Leica is getting in on the action! The fact remains that in addition to your budget, choosing one of these small projectors requires sustained attention to a few criteria. While waiting for the holidays, Black Friday and its price reductions invite you to treat yourself. Or to please… 20 Minutes has unearthed three models for you, sold from 399 euros to 1,799 euros.
L’ultra-compact d’appoint : Elfin Flip, d’Xgimi
The manufacturer Xgimi has undoubtedly become the emblematic figure of new accent projectors, with a range of devices capable of appealing to all budgets. Witness the Elfin Flip, sold 100 euros less on Black Friday (i.e. 299 euros).
This Full HD LED projector is quite classic in its technical specifications, with its image of 80 to 150 inches (i.e. 2.03 to 3.81 meters diagonal) and its brightness of 400 lumens (which requires darkening the room where the device is installed). Its two speakers of 3W each don’t necessarily stand out either. No, his thing would rather be agility!
The size of a good book (23.5 x 21.8 x 6.4 cm, weighing 1.18 kg), it is mounted on a support adjustable to 150°. Result: the Elfin Flip can be used facing many supports: vertical, like a classic wall, or inclined to project on an inclined surface (under the attic, for example), or on the ceiling. Focusing and keystone correction to have an image with perfectly right angles are automatic here.
Operating under Xgimi OS10 (and not Google TV like many others), the projector however integrates Netflix natively and even has a remote control with direct access keys to Netflix, YouTube, prime video and Xgimi TV. Bluetooth and Wifi, the Elfin Flip also has an HDMI port and a USB slot to connect peripherals.
399 euros (299 euros during Black Friday).
The very bright mini: Atom, from Dangbei
Credible alternative to a television, this little laser projector? The Dangbei Atom is a convincing model. Although only Full HD, the small device (19.5 x 19.5 x 4.5 cm, weighing 1.27 kg) has a comfortable brightness of 1,200 lumens which allows it to be used almost in full day, without being forced to create darkness around him.
Supporting test, we appreciated in addition to this brightness, the effective contrast ratio (500: 1), guaranteeing an image with beautiful visual dynamics and which can be stretched from 60 to 180 inches (1.52 to 4, 57 meters).
ALPD 3.0, the laser projection technology used here by its manufacturer, was originally developed for cinemas. It has several virtues: lower energy consumption (also allowing rapid switching on and off of the product); an extended color range, but also an increased brightness of around 20%.
Under Google TV, the device integrates into your “Google Home”, thus being able to be controlled from a smartphone, but also from a supplied remote control. Its 2 x 5 watt audio section remains minimalist most of the time. However, we found that this could be sufficient for watching classic television programs, especially as the Atom is particularly quiet.
Little extra: it can be attached to a tripod using its integrated screw thread.
999 euros (699 euros during Black Friday).
The short focal length for every day: Hisense PX2-Pro
Ultra-short throw projection has two advantages: a minimum setback distance (50 cm), and perfect integration into a living room (no need to install the projector there each time it is used). With a triple laser, the Hisense PX2-Pro projector therefore opens up great prospects.
At the foot of a white wall, the device can project images up to 130 inches (or 3.30 meters). At a minimum, this image is 90 inches (2.28 meters), the equivalent of an XXXL television. 4K, its brightness is 2,400 lumens. And good news: this is sufficient for the device to be used in broad daylight, while still offering bright and contrasty images!
With three HDMI sockets (including one eArc), a USB, an optical input and an Ethernet socket, the PX2-Pro integrates its own operating system (called Vidaa U), and natively offers access to the platforms of streamingdont Netflix.
Dolby Atmos, with an audio output to integrate it into a sound system, it nevertheless has a very respectable sound quality of 2 x 15 W. Launched at 2,499 euros a few months ago, its current price makes it a real good affair.
1,799 euros (1,590 euros during Black Friday).